§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he was consulted about the proposed export of a 1740 Dresden cabinet to West Germany: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasYes. I accepted the advice of the reviewing committee on export of works of art that the loan of the cabinet by the Victoria and Albert museum should be made. It is a generous gift to that museum which at no cost to the taxpayer will be enjoyed by the nation in perpetuity.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will intervene to stop the export to Germany by Axel Springer of the bureau and cabinet owned by the late Prince Littler.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasNo, I approved the loan to Herr Axel Springer on the advice of the reviewing committee on export of works of art.
§ Mr. Canavanasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will introduce amending regulations and legislation if necessary to stop deals whereby people abuse the regulations governing the export of works of art by the pretext of giving them to the British museum on condition that they are loaned to the donor for life.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasNo.